Tourism in Kyrgyzstan continues to develop actively, attracting guests from different countries around the world. To understand the uniqueness of the Kyrgyz tourist product, how the service is changing, and which directions are most in demand today, the Kabar agency asked specialists directly working in the tourism sector – tour operators, travel agents, and industry experts.
According to one of the local tour operators, Alisher, tourists from various regions of the world are actively coming to Kyrgyzstan. ‘I’ve been working in tourism for 5-6 years, and especially intensively for the last two years. I have a small company, and tourists from Belgium, Germany, France, as well as from Indonesia and Malaysia come to us. Last winter, there were many guests from the UAE, this year from Thailand and Vietnam, and in summer, mainly tourists from Europe,’ he noted.
Kyrgyzstan is particularly comfortable for guests from Muslim countries.
‘Indonesia and Malaysia are Muslim countries, so they have no problems with food. This also plays a big role in choosing a direction. Also, in recent years, there has been a significant influx of tourists from the Philippines,’ the tour operator added.
Speaking about the uniqueness of the country, Alisher emphasises that almost every region of Kyrgyzstan is special in its own way. ‘Our country is beautiful and unique. In summer, we often go to hard-to-reach places – to the mountains, canyons, and gorges. The road to Kel-Suu, Son-Kul are special routes. Yes, every year there are more people on Son-Kul, but so far it has not lost its uniqueness,’ he said.
Alisher also separately touched on the topic of the internet and satellite technologies like Starlink.
‘There are two sides here. On one hand, it’s modern technology; even in remote places, you can connect to the internet and continue working. But the internet there is not free, and if there’s no urgent need, you don’t have to use it. Moreover, many tourists deliberately disconnect from the network to see real Kyrgyz life and truly relax,’ noted Alisher.
At the same time, the tour operator draws attention to the importance of responsible tourism. ‘It’s not entirely right to take everyone only to Son-Kul or Kel-Suu. For example, in summer, we don’t take tourists to Altyn-Arashan because there’s simply no free space left there. Kyrgyzstan is a small country. We post beautiful photos on social networks, and then thousands of people go there, because of which this area may soon lose its uniqueness,’ he emphasised.
According to him, there are already examples in the world where, in some locations, they prohibit setting geolocation and publishing photos to preserve nature. Therefore, Kyrgyz tour operators try to open new routes so that tourists can really relax and don’t crowd in one place.
Tourism expert Azamat Zhamankulov also notes the positive dynamics of the industry.
‘Today, tourism is developing in all indicators: the number of tourists, contribution to GDP, and investment volume. With the growth of competition, the service improves, new hotels, cafes, and restaurants open, and infrastructure develops,’ noted Zhamankulov.
He emphasises that the main tourist interest is shifting to the regions. ‘Our best locations are not in big cities, but in the regions. Therefore, along with the tourist flow, the service there also develops. The level of glamping, yurt camps, and food presentation culture has noticeably grown,’ he said.
The nomadic culture plays a special role in shaping Kyrgyzstan’s tourist image. Travel agent Sergei Gluhoverov speaks about this.
‘Mountains and lakes exist in many countries. But mountains plus a yurt, river plus a hunter with a golden eagle, gorge and national horse games – that’s what makes Kyrgyzstan truly unique,’ he explained.
According to him, it is authenticity that attracts tourists. ‘There are very few countries with a nomadic culture in the world. People want not just to see nature, but to immerse themselves in the local flavour – traditions, customs, way of life. Therefore, festivals like ‘Salbuurun’, demonstrations of eagle hunting, national games, and preparation of Kyrgyz dishes are held. Tourists leave with a full spectrum of impressions,’ he added.
Kyrgyzstan today is not just a destination with beautiful landscapes. It is a country where nature, culture, technology, and living traditions are combined, making it a truly unique tourist product on the world map.
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